Apparatus for casting ingots



(No Model.) 3 SheetsSheet 1.

F. H. DANIELS. APPARATUS FOR CASTING INGOTS, BARS, &c.

No; 359,349. Patented Mar. 15, 1887.

WITNESSES I 5 INVENTDR (No Model.)

3 sheets sheet 2. P. H. DANIELS. Y

APPARATUS FOR CASTING INGOTSfBARS, &c. No. 359,349.

Patented Mar. 15,1887.

WITNEEEEE' INVEN EI1= A m 6. QM %y/ 4QMA/ cw. A i/f" 7 3 Sheets-Sheet 3.

(No Model.)

F. H. DANIELS.

APPARATUS FOR CASTING INGOTS, BARS, Aw.

No. 359,349. Patented Mar. 15, 1887.

l I I I l UNITE STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRED H. DANIELS, OF VORGESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

APPARATUS FOR CASTING mcoTs, BARS,- 80C.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 359.349, dated March 15, 1887.

' Application filed June 14, 1886. Serial No. 205,086. (No model.)

' To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRED H. DANIELS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of \Vorcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in. Mechanism for Producing Ingots, Bars, or Rods from Fluid Metal, of which the following, together with the accompanying drawings, is a-specification' sufficiently' full, clear, and exact to enable personsskilled in the art to which this invention appertains to make and use the same.

The objects of my present invention are to provide an apparatus for producing bars or ingots by continuous process fromrmolten or fluid metal, wherein the forming -1'nold, arranged as a circular groove or grooves upon the side of a revoluble wheel, plate, table, or

carrier disposed in a horizontal or inclined position, is provided with an adjustable cap or top and means for supporting the same in proper relation thereto; also, to provide practical and efficient devices, for introducing the fluid metal to the matrix and retaining it from backward flow in the matrix-groove; also, to

afford facilities in an ingot-forming'mill for feeding a material or substance into the matrix upon the surface of the ingot, for lubricating the samein its contact with the cover or nonmovable portion of the mold; also, to provide means for limiting the pressure of the cover upon the face of the mold to any required adjustment, and to afford facilities for giving a yielding pressure of the cover when required; also, to provide facilities for cooling the mold in a rapid and convenient manner; also,to1provide practical and efficient means for effecting the discharge of the contiguous ingot or bar from the forming-mold and delivering it in a comparatively straight condition for subsequent treatment; also, to. provide relief devices whereby the annular cover of the mold can automatically give way,in case of ,obstruc' tion or abnormal strains. These objects I attain by mechanism the nature, construction, and operation of which are illustrated in the drawings and explained in the following description, the subjectmatter claimed being hereinafter definitely specified. In the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical section of the mill in the direction of the line '10 w in Fig. 2, showing my improved apparatus for producing continuous bars or ingots from fluid metal. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the same with the top portion removed to better reveal the parts beneath. Fig. 3 is a. plan view showing a modification in the construction and manner of securing the circular cover. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the same at line it a: in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view longitudinally through the mold and the cover-sustaining joint. Fig.5 is a plan view of a portion of the forming-wheel, showing the feeding-funnels and discharging-guide. Fig. 6 is a section through one side of the wheel and mold-cover. Fig. 7 isa vertical section through the mold-feedingfunnels and discharging-guide on the line 3/ yin Fig. 5. Fig. 8 is a transverse vertical section through the mold, at line 2 z in Fig. 5.

j In reference to parts, A denotes the matrix 1 wheel or carrier, which consists of a circular rim, plate, or table mounted and revoluble on a central axis or spindle, A, and supported by a Stepbearing, b, and top bearing, 1), on the frame B, in an upright or preferably slightly-inclined position, as indicated, so that the wheel or plate A will revolve in a plane somewhatdiagonal to the horizontal. If preferred, the wheel maybe set in a horizontal plane.

The mold or matrix for receiving the fluid or molten metal is formed as an annular groove,

0, (one or more,) in or upon'the top side of the wheel A and near the circumference thereof. At either side of the matrix, prefer ably parallel therewith,and extendin g into the rim of the wheel in the manner shown, I form annular ways or grooves a a,'to receive water or other cooling-fluid for cooling the mold and metal contained therein.

The wheel A may be some eight feet (more or less) in diameter, and its peripheral rim supported by means of anti-frictional rolls or wheels B, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4.

In connection with the revoluble wheel A, I provide a circular cover, D, that fits over this groove and completes the mold for confining the metal therein. The circle or curvature of the cover D is lateral in relation to the plane of the mold, so that the bottom face of said cover will stand in a plane perpendicular, or substantially so, to the axis about which the wheel or mold-carrier revolves, and the radius of curvature of said cover corresponds with that of the rim of the wheel, so that the top surface of the wheel-rim and bottom surface of the cover will match together. Said cover D extends about three-fourths of the distance around the circle of the mold, more or less, and is retained in proper relation to the groove 0 by means of interlocking flanges c c or other suitable means. Said cover D is non-rotatable, and is held in place by supporters E, located at suitable intervals around the outside rim of the wheel. The cover can be formed in a single piece, as in Figs. 1 and 2, oritinay be formed in a number of independently-removable sections, as in Figs. 3 and 4.

The top of the cover is preferably constructed with a groove or recess, as at d, for retaining the water or cooling-fluid for reducing the temperature of the mold. At the front end of the cover is a hopper or funnel, F, for receiving the fluid metal and conducting it into the groove or matrix C. Said funnel is made of lire-clay or other refractory substance set in a metal frame. The end piece of the funnel F extends down into the groove 0 and forms a barrier, as at f, (see Figs. 7 and 8,) to prevent the fluid metal from escaping in that direction.

Adjacent to the funnel F,I provide a second funnel, G, leading down through the cover D, for the purpose of introducing to the mold pulverized graphite or other suitable substance for lubricating the surfaces, which slide upon each other as the wheel and ingot move forward along the non-movable cover D.

The fire brick or blockf in the present instance, is made to form one side of both the funnels F and G, and also the top of the mold G at the position between said funnels.

H indicates the discharging-guide, which is disposed in relation to the wheel A in a manner to direct the produced ingot or bar in a straight line out upon a suitable roller-bed or receiving-platform at K, (only a portion of which is shown,) where it can be cut up or guided to a furnace or to reducing-rolls, or cared for in any desired manner. The bottom of the guide H is furnished with a laterallycurved extension or plow,i,that fits down into the groove 0 and serves to lift the ingot or bar I therefrom and cause it to run out through the conductingportion of the guide, which is fitted to serve for counteracting and overcoming the curvature of the bar, so as to deliver.

it in a comparatively straight condition. The guide II is supported in a suitable frame, B, and is retained by a relief-bar, h, and wedge, and a plate, T, as indicated.

The devices for retaining the cover D of the mold are adapted to force the cover down with a slightly yielding pressure, and screwstuds m or equivalent devices are arranged in connection with the cover and standards E, whereby the pressure or degree of closeness of the cover D upon the side of wheel A can be limited and adjusted.

In Fig. l 1 have shown a spring, x, for pressing down the cover D, with the stud m passing through the spring for limiting its action in accordance with the position of the nut n on the stud.

In Figs. 3, 4, and 4* I have illustrated my method of arranging a cover made in several sections, either of which can be removed independently of the others when required. In this the adjacent ends of the cover-sections are formed with an incline-joint surface at J, so that the first or leading section overlies and holds down the section that follows it, and the screw-stud m is secured to the latter or underlying section back of the inclined joint J, so that the lifting action of the stud will hold up both parts. The overlying section is held down by means of a breaking-bar, l, and wedge 1-, the top of the supporter being made overhanging, so as to give a bearing for the inner end of the breaking-bar, as illustrated. The opening for the screw-stud m in the supporter or bracket is slotted in from the edge, so that the stud can be released without turir ing oif the nut.

\Vhen it is desired to remove asection of the cover, it is simply necessary to knock out the wedge 1', remove the bar 1-, and then lift off the section. It can then as readily be replaced by reversing such operation.

The bar 1 is made of a strength to withstand normal strains, but to break and relieve the mechanism by allowing asection to be thrown off in case of choking or any derangement that gives abnormal pressure upon the cover D.

Rotative action is imparted to the wheel in the direction indicated for continuously advancing the mold C by means of the gearsT T and shaftV, to which power may be applied in any we1l-known manner. In the present instance the driving-gearing is located above the wheel; but it may in some cases be more convenient to locate the gears below the wheel, or in some other relation from that shown, and any suitable arrangement of gears may be employed for giving equivalent action to the mechanism.

The central shaft, A, of the wheel is preferably formed hollow, or with a tubular cavity leading downto the step-block b, and the bearing 11 around the block is provided with passages, as at 0. \Vater being supplied to the top of the spindle, it follows down through the hollow,works out through'thebearingsurface, and escapes through the passages 0, thuskeeping the bearings well lubricated and cooled.

The wheels or rolls B beneath the rim of the matrix-wheel A prevent the rim of said wheel from springing downward away from the cover D, thereby preventing the formation of fins by reason of the metal flowing into the joint between the top of the wheel and the under surface of the cover.

The step-bearing If beneath the end of the spindle A is preferably made adjustable by means of the set-screw t, or otherwise, so that the center or axis of the wheel can be raised or depressed to cause the periphery to properly bear upon and run truly in conjunction with the rim-supporting rolls B.

Water is supplied for cooling the mold and ingot by means of suitably-arranged pipes to 10, having branches or openings w for distributing it over the wheel, as in Figs. 1 and 2; or, if preferred, said pipes may be placed for delivering it into the channels a and d, as in Fig. 7, or in other sufficient manner.

The matrix or groove and the water-ways or cooling-grooves a a can, if desired, be formed in a separate rim or circle, to be supported upon and attached to the circumference of wheel A, inlieu of forming said grooves directly within the integral metal of said wheel.

- The action is, however, the same in either case,

and such construction does not change the nature of the invention.

In the operation of my i niproved ingot-forming mechanism, the metal, which may be melted and prepared in any suitable kind of furnace or converter, is, by means of a suitable ladle or conduit, poured in fluid condition, into the funnel F, and from thence runs into the mold or groove 0, where it becomes congealed or solidified.

The wheel A, as it is revolved, carries forward the solidified ingot, and continuously presents more of the mold for receiving further supply of the fluid metal, and the congealed portion of the ingot or bar carried forward to the delivery-guide II and ejected upon the roller table or platform G, the action being continuous so long as the matrix wheel A is revolved and the supply of fluid metal in the funnel F is maintained.

The speed at which the matrix-wheel A is revolved is conditioned on the rapidity with which the metal can be properly congealed or cooled to a degree that will permit of its being discharged and retain its proper shape.

By arranging the matrix-wheel to revolve in an inclined position on an uprightaxis, sub-- stantially as herein shown and described, and having the matrix-groove with a laterallycurvcd cover on the top side thereof, I am enabled to support the produced ingot within the mold for a longer distance than can be practically done by a wheel set on a horizontal axis with a groove in its face and a segmental cover for the mold. It also permits of the metal being entered int-o the mold more sluggishly, and insures the filling of the matrix in a better manner, while the inclination can be rendered such as to cause the metal to flow in it and take position wit-has little agitation as possible.

What 1 claim as of my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In mechanism ,for producing ingots or bars from lluid metal, the matrix-wheel having an annular mold or groove in the side thereof, disposed to rotate horizontally in a plane somewlnit inclined from the horizontal, combined with a circular cover fitted upon the Side of said wheel, and means for confining and adjusting said cover in relation to the lar forming mold'or groove, of the laterallycurved cover provided with a hopper or funnel, as at F, for receiving the fluid metal and directing it into the forming groove or matrix, substantially as set forth.

4. In mechanism for producing bars or ingots from fluid metal, the combination, with the traveling forming-mold, its cover, and the funnel wherebythe fluid metal is conducted into said mold, of the second or auxiliary funnel, through which a lubricating substance can be introduced to the surface of the metal within the mold, substantially as set forth.

5. In a mechanism for producing bars or ingots from fluid metal, the annular guidingflanges c, in combination with the matrixwheel A, having the annular groove 0 in its side, and a cover, D, having grooves thatinterlock or engage with said flanges, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

6. The combination, substantially as described, of the rotatable wheel having the ma trix-groove O in the side thereof, the laterallycircular cover having the funnel for the entrance ot' the fluid metal, and devices for forcing said cover downv upon the mold with a yielding pressure, for the purpose set forth.

7. The combination, substantially as described,ot the rotatable wheel having the ma trixgroove C in the side thereof, the circular cover having the funnel F for conducting the fluid metal into the groove, devices for forcing I I said cover down upon the side of the wheel, and screw-studs, as at m, adapted to adjust and limit the pressure of said cover upon the mold, for the purposes set forth.

8. The combination, substantially as de scribed, ofthe rotatable wheel havingthe matrix-groove Gin the side thereof,the laterallycircular cover D, provided with fastening devices for retaining iti'n p sition, thefeed-funncls F for conducting flui metal into the said groove, and dischargingguide II, having a plowing-point, i, running in said groove, sub stantially as and for the purposes set forth.

9.' The revoluble matrix -wheel provided with'an annular groove or mold, as at (l, and having adjacent thereto annular coolinggrooves a, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

10. The cover I), formed in a series of sections, in combination with the matrix'wheel A, supporters l), with the breaking-bars I,

Lin

wedges r, and screw-studs m, substantiallyas and for the purposeset forth.

11. The combination, with the rotatable wheel A, having the groove or matrix C, ofthe supportingwheels B, the govef'D, supporters E, and cover pressure devices connected therewith, as and for the purposes set forth.

12. In a mechanism for making ingots or bars from fluid metal, the combination, with a wheel or carrier having the groove or matrix formed in the side of its rim, and mounted to revolve upon a central upright spindle, A, and a series of supportingwheels located beneath its periphery, of an adjusting-step, b", on which the lower end of said spindle is supported, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

13. The combination of the cover-sections, having overlying ends at J, the screw-stud m, the supporter or bracket E, slotted for said 20 stud, the pressure-bar P, and wedge 1-, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

14. The combination, substantially as described, ofthe1natriX-wheel,its axis or spindle,

having a hollow or opening extending there- 25 through, and the step-bearing b, provided with passages o, substantially as and for the purposes set forth. I

\Vitness my hand this 11th day of June, A. D. 1886.

FRED H. DANIELS. Witnesses:

CHAS. H. BURLEIGI-I, ELLA P. BLENUS. 

